Kuala lumpur: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today engaged in a series of bilateral discussions with senior leaders and representatives from seven countries and international entities on the sidelines of the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM) and related events currently taking place here.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the meetings were held at the Prime Minister's Office and involved China, Australia, Pakistan, Turkiye, Palestine, the United Kingdom (UK), and the European Union. In the meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Anwar highlighted the strengthening of Malaysia-China ties, which have been bolstered following President Xi Jinping's state visit to Malaysia. During this visit, 31 memoranda of understanding and agreements were signed. Anwar noted that China has been Malaysia's largest trading partner for 16 consecutive years, with total trade reaching US$106 billion in 2024. The discussions also focused on efforts to narrow the trade gap and expand cooperation in key sectors.
Anwar expressed gratitude for China's support of ASEAN's Five-Point Consensus regarding Myanmar and reiterated the importance of peacefully resolving the South China Sea issue in line with international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
In his meeting with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, Anwar discussed strengthening bilateral relations, which have been in place since 1957. He welcomed Australian investors' interest in sectors such as smart manufacturing, digital economy, artificial intelligence, and renewable energy. Anwar also extended an invitation to Australia to participate in the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) in September, emphasizing the potential of the halal economy as a future cooperation driver. Education remains a key pillar of Malaysia-Australia relations, with both countries expected to sign a new MoU at the Annual Leaders' Meeting in October.
During talks with Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, discussions centered around the upcoming official visit of Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to Malaysia. Anwar noted that Malaysia-Pakistan trade value rose by over 25 percent last year to US$1.76 billion. The leaders agreed to finalize the Malaysia-Pakistan Closer Economic Partnership Agreement (MPCEPA) and explored ways to expand halal meat exports from Pakistan. Potential cooperation in agriculture, particularly in rice trade, was also discussed.
Anwar received a courtesy call from Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, with discussions focusing on strengthening bilateral ties to a strategic level. The meeting addressed the implementation of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSC) and the Joint Committee Meeting (JCM) between the two foreign ministries. Anwar noted that Turkiye is currently Malaysia's third-largest trading partner in West Asia, with interests in strategic sectors such as semiconductors and pharmaceuticals.
In the meeting with United Kingdom Foreign Secretary David Lammy, discussions focused on enhancing cooperation across various areas, including investment, energy transition, and education. Anwar welcomed increased UK investments, particularly in the semiconductor and green infrastructure sectors, and appreciated the UK's active role as an ASEAN Dialogue Partner.